Showcases were an invention of the " chain " schools-- they were meant to be a platform for those who were enrolled in the Theater Arts type of program and could be taken at any level.
Like most other dances- they became part of the competitive world .
Invariably danced in Pro/ Am comps.
They are judged on artistic merit-- content-- musical interpretation and originality as well as technique .
Have judged hundreds-- always a difficult task as " show " work is so subjective .